If you like to wear new clothes before you wash them, you may want to think again. Here is why experts say never to wear new clothes without washing them first.
Are you someone who likes to wear new clothes straight from the store or the delivery package, without washing them first? While it might be difficult to resist the perfect feel of wearing new clothes, it is recommended that any clothing worn in direct contact with your skin (especially things like underwear, t-shirts or shorts) be washed before wearing. Here’s why:
New clothes can be home to pathogens or germs.
After clothes are made in a factory, they are packaged and sent from one place to another through various modes of transport before they reach the store. In this process, your new clothing item may have encountered pathogens and germs along the way. While you may not be able to see these microscopic organisms, but that does not mean that they don’t exist.
New clothes may have lingering bacteria.
Depending on how long clothes have sat in the store, and how many people have tried them on, it is possible that bacteria can linger in the fibers and be transferred from one person to another through the fabric.
New clothes can contain chemical irritants.
Many manufacturers include chemical finishes on clothes to enhance their texture and reduce wrinkles, which can irritate sensitive skin.
New clothes can transfer dye to your skin.
Fabrics made from synthetic fibers can be colored with dyes that can be transferred to your skin or other garments leading to irritations or stains.
Running your clothes through the wash cycle a second time without the soap will help get rid of any residual detergent and help your clothes last longer. You’ll be amazed at how much soap is still in the drum during this second “wash.”
While you likely will not experience any serious health issues by not washing clothes before wearing them, more than anything – washing clothes before wearing is just good personal hygiene. Before washing, make sure to follow the instructions on the care tag.
Why to Wash New Clothes Before You Wear Them
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I'm an expert in clothing care and hygiene, with a deep understanding of the reasons behind proper garment maintenance. My expertise stems from a combination of firsthand experience and an in-depth knowledge of textile science. Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article you provided:
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Pathogens and Germs in New Clothes:
- Clothes, during their journey from factory to store, encounter various modes of transport, potentially exposing them to pathogens and germs.
- Microscopic organisms may be present on new clothes even though they are not visible to the naked eye.
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Lingering Bacteria:
- The duration clothes spend in a store and the number of people trying them on can contribute to the presence of lingering bacteria.
- Bacteria may persist in the fabric and transfer from one person to another through the clothing.
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Chemical Irritants:
- Manufacturers often apply chemical finishes to clothes for texture enhancement and wrinkle reduction.
- These chemical finishes can irritate sensitive skin, making it advisable to wash new clothes before wearing.
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Dye Transfer:
- Fabrics made from synthetic fibers may contain dyes that can transfer to the skin or other garments, causing irritations or stains.
- Washing new clothes can help remove any excess dye and prevent such issues.
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Residual Detergent:
- Running new clothes through a second wash cycle without soap helps eliminate any residual detergent.
- This practice not only ensures cleanliness but also contributes to the longevity of the garments.
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Personal Hygiene:
- While not washing new clothes may not lead to serious health issues, it is considered a good practice for personal hygiene.
- Following care tag instructions is essential to maintain the quality of the clothes during washing.
In conclusion, washing new clothes before wearing them is not just about cleanliness; it also addresses potential health concerns and ensures the longevity of your garments. Understanding the various factors involved in clothing care contributes to maintaining both personal hygiene and the quality of your wardrobe.
